The Michael J. Cerroni Memorial Scholarship
Dear Applicant;
Carthage Central High School Graduate and USMC Captain Michael J. Cerroni lived every day to the
fullest. In his short life, he continuously personified great fortitude and drive. Following the loss of
Michael in a 2006 snowmobile accident, The Michael J. Cerroni Memorial Scholarship was established.
The Michael J. Cerroni Foundation, Inc. annually awards two graduating Carthage Central High School
Seniors (one male & one female) with a $1,000 scholarship each to assist with post-high school plans
(college, military, vocational, etc.).
Since so much of Michael’s life exhibited great fortitude, award recipients are decided based on a variety
of criteria including an explanation of what the word “Fortitude” means to them.
In order to qualify for the Michael J. Cerroni Memorial Scholarship, applicant must be a graduating
senior from Carthage Central High School in good academic standing and wishing to pursue some form
of post high school advancement. A qualified applicant must also be either enlisted to join the military
upon graduation or registered to attend college or trade school beginning no later than the fall following
their senior year of high school.
Applicants must turn their application and supporting documentation in no later than May 1st, to:
Carthage Central High School Guidance Office
Attention: The Michael J. Cerroni Memorial Scholarship
We would like to take this opportunity to Thank You for applying for the Michael J. Cerroni Memorial
Scholarship. It gives us great pleasure to be able to assist recipients in achieving their future goals.
If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us.
Warmest Regards,
Patricia A. Strife
Patricia Strife, Event Chairperson
The Michael J. Cerroni Foundation, Inc.
24945 County Route 37
Carthage, NY 13619
Phone: (315) 493-4023
Email: [email protected]
Visit our Website: www.michaelcerroni5k.com
Fortitude – Courage in facing pain, danger or trouble; a firmness of spirit. Michael J. Cerroni had fortitude.
The Michael J. Cerroni Foundation Inc.
24945 County Route 37, Carthage NY 13619
(315) 493-4023
web: www.michaelcerroni5k.com  email: [email protected]
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
QUALIFICATIONS
O Applicant must be a graduating Senior of Carthage Central High School.
O Students attending college, technical school or entering military service are eligible to
apply.
O Selection for scholarships is based upon academic achievement, personal data and a
completed essay.
O Scholarship amount(s) are determined by the Executive Board of Directors at the annual
meeting.
INSTRUCTIONS
O Read all materials completely so that you understand what is available, the criteria, and
what is expected of you. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
O Complete by neatly printing or typing your application, personal data and essay.
O Write your essay, answering what Fortitude means to you, and include it with your
application.
O Include three letters of reference with your application.
O Request that your school send the Foundation an official transcript of your grades to
date.
O Proofread your application and check it for completion. Mail or hand deliver your
application, including your essay, letters of reference and transcripts to the Michael J.
Cerroni Foundation at the address listed below no later than May 1st. Applications
postmarked after the deadline will not be considered. Do not e-mail your application.
Michael J. Cerroni Scholarship Fund
C/O Carthage Central High School
Attn: Guidance Dept.
36500 NYS Rte 26 Carthage, NY 13619
Notification of Scholarship Winners will be announced at Senior Awards Night in June.
The Michael J. Cerroni Foundation Inc.
Scholarship Requirements and Criteria
Selection Criteria
Academic
Achievement
References
10%
10%
Extra
Curricular
Activities
20%
Community
Service
Fortitude
Essay
20%
30%
Organization
of
Application
10%
O Each category is given a score from 1 to 10 (1 being the lowest, 10 being the
highest). Scores are added together per the percentages allowed for each
category to obtain a Total Score.
O Total scores are averaged between all judges of the Michael J. Cerroni
Scholarship Committee. Scholarship selection(s) are made on the basis of
this ranking.
O In the event of a tie, the average score for the Fortitude Essay will serve as
the tie breaker.
Applications must be received or postmarked by May 1st.
Applications postmarked after that date will not be considered.
Notification of Scholarship Winners will be announced at Senior Awards Night in June.
The Michael J. Cerroni Foundation Inc.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Applicant Name:
Address:
Phone:
Gender:
E-Mail:
Parent/Guardian Name:
Parent/Guardian Name:
Attach three letters of reference and list contact information below:
Name:
Phone:
Relationship:
Name:
Relationship:
Phone:
Name:
Relationship:
Phone:
Detailed description of post High School Plans (college, military, vocational academy, field of
study, etc.):
Please list and describe your scholastic achievements:
Please list and describe your extracurricular activities and achievements:
Please list and describe your Community Service activities:
Foundation use only
Applicant: _____
Pg. _____ of _____
How did you learn about our scholarship program?
Please write a brief 1-2 page essay explaining what the word “Fortitude” means to you and
provide an example when you’ve displayed fortitude in your lifetime and how you will
apply it in your future.
Request that your Guidance Counselor send an official transcript of your academic record to
the Michael J. Cerroni Foundation, Inc.
In submitting this application, I certify that the information provided is complete and accurate to the best of my
knowledge. Falsification of information may result in termination of any scholarship granted.
I understand that if the circumstances under which my scholarship was awarded change, I must notify The Michael
J. Cerroni Foundation immediately.
Applicant Signature:
Date:
Application Deadline: May 1st
Applications postmarked after that date will not be considered.
Application Checklist:
Completed Scholarship Application
Letters of Reference
Fortitude Essay
Official Transcript
Foundation use only
Applicant: _____
Pg. _____ of _____